This week Valve has announced that they have updated their Source SDK to now include support for the awesome Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, which is currently being developed.
Since its launch, the Oculus Rift has caught the interest of Valve, who have added support for the new Oculus Rift headset into their Team Fortress 2 game.
Enhanced Gaming Experience
The integration of Oculus Rift support into the Source SDK marks a significant milestone in the evolution of gaming. Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to transform the way players interact with games, providing a more immersive and engaging experience. By adding VR support, Valve is not only enhancing the gaming experience but also paving the way for future developments in the gaming industry.
The release notes included with the launch of the new Source SDK explain:
The source for this new SDK release includes the latest code for all the included games, and has many new features:
– The games now build and run clients on Windows, OSX, and Linux. Dedicated servers are supported on Windows and Linux.
– Steam Pipe (the new Steam content delivery system) is supported by the sample mods. Existing mods can change their gameinfo.txt to match the new format and gain Steam Pipe support.
– Support for Virtual Reality via the Oculus Rift has been added to the SDK. Running a compatible mod with -vr on the command line will run the mod in stereo and enable head tracking on the Rift.
Technical Advancements and Community Impact
The inclusion of Oculus Rift support in the Source SDK is a testament to Valve’s commitment to innovation and community engagement. By enabling VR support, Valve is encouraging developers to experiment with new forms of gameplay and storytelling. This move is likely to inspire a wave of new mods and games that leverage the unique capabilities of VR technology.
For example, imagine playing a first-person shooter where you can physically look around corners or a puzzle game where you can manipulate objects with your hands. The possibilities are endless, and the addition of VR support opens up a new realm of creative opportunities for developers.
Moreover, the support for multiple operating systems, including Windows, OSX, and Linux, ensures that a broad range of users can benefit from these advancements. The inclusion of Steam Pipe support further streamlines the content delivery process, making it easier for developers to distribute their mods and updates.
For more information on the new Source SDK and its Oculus Rift support, jump over to the Valve website for details.
Source: Joystiq
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